Princess Royal visits as Duke of Edinburgh recovers from hip surgery

The Princess Royal has visited her father, the Duke of Edinburgh, in hospital as he recovers from a hip operation.

Philip, 96, has been recuperating in the King Edward VII Hospital after arriving for a hip operation last Tuesday.

Anne arrived at the private hospital in central London at around 4.10pm on Thursday - the duke's 10th day in hospital.

She is believed to be the first member of the Royal Family to visit the duke in hospital after his operation.

After its completion, Buckingham Palace said the duke was in "good spirits" and "progressing satisfactorily".

A hip replacement usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes and is carried out under general anaesthetic, although an epidural, where the lower body is numbed, can be used, according to the website NHS Choices.

Philip's damaged hip would have been replaced with an artificial joint made of a metal alloy or possibly ceramic, designed to last 15 years.

The duke will have to undergo extensive rehabilitation and will need the support of crutches for the next four to six weeks.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding is on May 19 and the major family occasion is likely to be the first public appearance by the Queen's consort.